As I look at my face in the mirror, I realize that I am overdue for a shave! I tend to go through phases of staying clean-shaven and growing a beard. I guess I can't ever decide which look is best for me! Like most men, I use a razor blade to shave. But, did you know that there are plenty of ways that you can get rid of your unwanted facial hair? Before you say anything, no, I'm not talking about waxing your face! While I'm sure some people "experiment" with that option, it's not one I recommend. In today's blog post, I will discuss a few different and practical ways to keep your face shaved and as smooth as a baby's skin! Check them out:

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Cartridge razors

Perhaps the most common way to shave in the 21st century is to use a cartridge razor system. In a nutshell, you can buy razors that come with disposable cartridges on them. They have small blades fitted inside them (usually three or five) and have gel strips that help to protect your skin as you shave. Companies like Gillette and Wilkinson Sword are the big names in the cartridge razor industry. Most men prefer to use cartridge razors because they are safe, lightweight and convenient to use.

Safety razors

If you're feeling nostalgic, you could always use a safety razor. Their history dates back to the middle of the 19th century. Although their use isn't as widespread these days, you can still buy them from most retailers and online stores. I'm an advocate of safety razors as I prefer their plain and unbranded styling. I also like the fact that I can use blades from different manufacturers. After all; every man has different levels of skin sensitivity. If you're a little worried about safety, I would recommend visiting a barbers instead of DIY'ing your trim. A friend of mine usually visits somewhere like Red Deer barbershop to get a fresh shave and his beard always looks great. If you don't feel comfortable shaving yourself, visit a professional!

Straight razors

These "cut throat" razors are the forefathers of modern safety and cartridge razors! If you read about the history of traditional shaving, you will notice that men everywhere used to shave with straight razors. They offer the best shaving experience, but they require a lot of time and maintenance. And, of course, there's also the worry of cutting your throat and dying if you make a wrong move! Some barbers still use straight razors to shave their client's faces. Straight razors need a strop to keep them sharpened.

Electric shavers

Perhaps the easiest way for today's modern men to shave is to use electric shavers. As the name suggests, they are shavers that connect to an electrical shaving socket on the wall of your bathroom. You can also buy cordless ones too. The only downside to electric shavers is that they don't offer as close a shave as other razors featured on this page. Still, if you're in a hurry, electric shavers can be a godsend!

What's the best razor to use?

OK, so you're probably wondering which option is best for you. If you want a close shave, use a straight or cartridge razor. If you're a busy man, go for an electric shaver. And if you like the idea of "old-school" shaving, go to a barber shop and have them use a straight razor on you!